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 Many United Methodist churches across Kansas are gearing up to learn new ways to put their faith into action.
A new program, Leadership and Faith Transforming Communities, is a joint effort between the Kansas Health Foundation, the United Methodist Church and the Kansas Leadership Center. With the help of a three-year Health Foundation grant, it aims to help revitalize the United Methodist Church in Kansas, enhance the commitment to community health and increase civic leadership.
“Instead of a prescription for fixing congregations or communities, LFTC prepares its participants for leadership, even without authority, in the hard work of understanding the problem, and, with others, making progress toward health,” says Marilyn Gregory, pastor of First United Methodist Church of Independence.
The program is designed for United Methodist congregations that want to work as a group to address existing and emerging health issues in their communities. Those issues may be mental, spiritual, physical, social or economic.
Every United Methodist church in Kansas is eligible to apply to be part of this initiative. At least four individuals from one church must be willing to commit up to nine days for leadership education over seven months. Training groups will be held in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Eleven new church teams will be accepted for each year’s program.
To get an application, go to the Kansas East or Kansas West conference Web sites or contact Sue Dondlinger at sdondlinger@kansasleadershipcenter.org. Application due dates will change depending on the session start date. Applications must be submitted to the Kansas Leadership Center at 300 N. Main, Suite 100, Wichita, KS 67202.
In addition, 35 interested and talented United Methodists will be chosen to become leadership trainers. That portion of the program will begin in 2010. Those selected will receive extensive training and agree to then train at least 35 more church members in their area. By 2012, we will have reached 1,225 United Methodists across the state. This program is intended to provide a strong leadership focus in churches and create a strong network of trust among the participants.
The Kansas Leadership Center wants to inspire participants to care more, engage more and risk more on behalf of making their communities healthier places. All of the instructors are Kansans with considerable civic experience, and the Leadership Center has customized this program by holding in-depth listening sessions with people who have a rich, deep understanding of the United Methodist faith in Kansas.
If you have any questions, call program manager Sue Dondlinger at 316-712-4959.
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